Private blacksmithing sessions with John Perilloux

Come spend a morning, afternoon or a full day with John in the shop learning the basics of blacksmithing. Beginner students will learn about the various tools used in the shop, safety precautions, how to use a gas and/or coal forge,  and hammer techniques before moving onto forging basics.  Forging basics include forging a point on a round bar, forging square stock into round stock, and punching a hole to name a few.   The student will pick a project to work on such as a hook or a untempered blacksmith knife depending on skill level.  Students who can demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the basics can progress to more complicated projects.  The time with John will be spent increasing your knowledge of forging wherever you are on your blacksmithing journey whether it is beginner, intermediate or advance.  

Registration is required so that we can have the necessary contact info to make arrangements to schedule the lessons at your convenience as well as to provide you with information you need.  We can accept online payments through this online registration process.  If you wish to use cash or check, please contact us to register offline.  You will need to give us a call or email to make arrangements and schedule your lesson.   

If you are purchasing lessons for someone else and you would like a gift certificate emailed to you after purchase, a printable pdf gift certificate will be emailed to you. We will ask you about this option on the registration form.

We can offer overnight accomodations in our cabin in the woods for out of town students or those that want several full or half day lessons without leaving Robert, Louisiana.  The cabin is fully furnished.  The one room cabin has a stocked kitchenette, bathroom, and full size bed.   Please contact us if you would like more information or pictures.  There is an option listed for renting the cabin at $75 a night. If you decide you would like to take advantage of this convenience, you can select how many nights you would like to stay in the cabin by changing the quantity to the number of nights. If you would like to book an entire week in the cabin with lessons everyday, we can accomodate.  Just ask! We are happy to help you plan an immersive experience if desired. 

Private lessons are currently being offered in 4 hour or 8 hour increments.   Our 4 hour lesson is priced at $200 a day.  Our 8 hour lesson which includes an hour break is $300 for the day.  The time and date of the lessons are scheduled at your convenience.   

Students can book as many hours as they would like with or without overnight accomodations.  A four hour lesson is the minimum that can be scheduled per day.  If you would like two 4 hour classes, one on a Saturday and one on the following Sunday (8 hours at the forge total) and stay overnight in the cabin, you would add two 4- hour sessions to your cart and one cabin rental. 

Minors between the ages of 12 and 18 are allowed to register for lessons.  Student's over 16 years old can attend without adult supervision.   Students between 12-15 years of age need adult supervision.  It is more enjoyable to have the parent participate rather than sit and watch, therefore we encourage the parent to come dressed to forge or help at the anvil if you would like.  We do not charge extra for a parent to participate. 

If the spouse or partner of an adult registered for lessons wishes to join, they are welcome to come and participate.  It's more enjoyable to share the experience.  We do not charge extra for a spouce or partner to attend.  

All students and extra participants are required to sign a liability waiver prior to the lesson.  All individuals in the shop are required to wear safety glasses.  If you have your own, please bring them or we will provide a pair.  You can bring your own leather gloves as well or a pair will be provided.  Leather closed toe shoes are required.  100% natural cotton tshirts/sweatshirts and jeans are ideal clothing to wear.  non-flammable clothing is required. No synthetic material.  We provide bottled water.  You are welcome to bring your own beverage and food.  The shop is insulated with closed in walls but it is not climate controlled with heat or A/C, therefore it is important to dress appropriately for the weather at the time of your lesson.  When it is warm or hot, fans will be on and doors will be open with the opposite during cold weather.